Although down to 17 fit players for the game, the Ks boss was boosted this week with the news that Geoff Pitcher will play.

A relieved Chapple said: "Geoff had an FA hearing on Wednesday for 14 bookings this season. I went with him to Lancaster Gate and thankfully he was only given a £300 fine.

"If we had lost Geoff it would have meant that we would have had a depleted midfield for the final."

"It was a tense hearing, but that is a small price to pay to have someone like him available for Saturday. Because I regard him as the best midfielder in the country at this level."

Despite the good news, Chapple is poised to be without several key players through injury and suspension as the club attempts to recapture the cup they won just one short year ago.

Robin Taylor (knee), Joe O'Connor (hamstring), Lee Boylan (calf), Phil Wingfield (medial knee ligaments) and Gary Patterson (suspended) are all missing for the big game.

"We have a good squad for Wembley. The side have trained well and now having done the preparation it is now down to us to go there and do well."

But the Ks boss respects Kettering as a side that will be hard to break down.

"They are a very solid and workmanlike side, who are difficult to beat. They have had their ups and downs, but they have very good players and are very organised."

l Ks (probable): Farrelly, Mustafa, Luckett, Crossley, Stewart, Harris, Allan, Kadi, Pitcher, Akuamoah, Simba, Green, Leworthy, Drewett, Saunders, Hurst, Hendry.

Kettering (probable): Sollitt, Ridgeway, Adams, Perkins, Vowden, Duik, Norman, Fisher, Brown, Setchell, Watkins, McNamara, Hudson, Shutt, Hopkins, Wilson.

Cordery looks to a brighter future

Football

By Russell Young

Hampton boss Steve Cordery has praised his players for the way they finished the season, and urged them to go on and do better next term.

Having secured a credible 13th in the table, the Beavers boss looked back over the course of the campaign.

He said: "We finished the season well and proved that Hampton are a good footballing side.

"There was a time when I had to tell the players a few home truths. They responded well, and as a result they stepped up a gear and got their reward."

"The club has one of the lowest budgets in the league and for that all credit to the players, they have done well.

It is the youth players that Cordery is banking on next season with Leroy Griffiths, Craig Vargos and Danny Rouco all in the spotlight.

"These players are vital to how the club does next season. It is important that Nick Burton, Peter Barnsby and Craig Maskell are here to help them along.

"They are bright youngsters that can join the squad and help us move up the table."

With Hampton's safety assured, Cordery admits that if an offer came in from a bigger club it would be hard to turn down.

"You can never say never. And it's not just me, the same thing applies to the players. If someone did come in, then I would consider it. Who wouldn't?

"But I have a job here to do and if we all stick together then we can do well next season and possibly even go on and win a trophy."

One of the main problems at the club continues to be money, and Cordery is urging spectators to come to the Beveree next season in their droves.

"That is one of the problems we have. There just are not enough people that come in through the gate.

"Also sponsorship is another factor, if we had that extra money them I'm sure the club would go forward and be in contention."

Any business interested in sponsoring the team contact the club on 020 8979 2456 (phone or fax)